Community NYB

2016 Cultural Exchange Program

As part of NYB’s mission to develop its young dancers personal growth, the company began a Cultural Exchange Program in 1996. The program was designed to expose the young dancers to different styles of dance, choreography, teachers & directors, fellow dancers and cultures. NYB believes exposing young dancers to other organizations both nationally and internationally not only broadens their education and interest in dance, but creates a sense of unity that helps them understand how powerful the arts can be in developing relationships, building community and breaking down the fear of differences in our society.

This season, NYB received an invitation from the artistic director of l’Atelier Des Arts De Raray, Lisa Kostur, to participate in a Cultural Exchange Program in Raray, France. Eleven talented young dancers from the Northeast School of Ballet (NSB), the official training school of Northeast Youth Ballet, will take part in the cultural exchange program that will travel to France in August. The dancers will stay and perform at The Chateau de Raray, a beautiful 17th century chateau, outside of Paris in the picturesque town of Raray. The dancers have been rehearsing both classical and contemporary works from the companies repertoire, including excerpts from Marius Petipa’s classic The Sleeping Beauty and new works choreographed by Joseph Jefferies, Jeremy Ruth Howes and NYB’s artistic director, Denise Cecere.“We are all thrilled to collaborate with L’Atelier Des Arts De Raray and Lisa Kostur, the director of of the organization, during our travels. Ms. Kostur took part in our first cultural exchange program over 20 years ago when she was a student of the Northeast School of Ballet. How wonderful to see the program come full circle, decades later, in France with Ms. Kostur directing her own arts organization abroad. Having the opportunity to begin NYB’s 2015-2016 season in France, the birthplace of classical ballet, bringing together our next generation of dancers and alumni, is just awe-inspiring!” states Denise Cecere, Artistic Director

“Their artistry, technique and depth are way beyond their years. Your students are destined for greatness”

-Mark Roxey, Artistic Director of Roxey Ballet

“For such young adults, the dancers have reached a level of professionalism that is far beyond their years.”

-Mary Mazzulli, Artistic Director of Rainbow Tribe

If your school or company would like to participate in an Exchgange Program please contact us at northeastyouthballet@verizon.net.